Today in Gay History
Today In Gay History: Orlando Cruz Came Out As the First Openly Gay Bo

"I have always been and always will be a proud gay man."
October 03 2016 3:19 PM EST
May 26 2023 1:26 PM EST
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"I have always been and always will be a proud gay man."
In 2012, star athlete Orlando Cruz became the first openly gay practicing boxer.
The announcement came in the form of a statement that was released exactly four years ago today.
"I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career. I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican," Cruz said. "I have always been and always will be a proud gay man."
The following year, Cruz married his boyfriend, Jose Manuel Colon in New York's Central Park. Since coming out, Cruz has become a vocal LGBTQ advocate.
\u201cMorning \ud83c\udf0e World I have the official T-shirt in support of the families of the victims at the Pulse Bar.\u201d— The Phenom Cruz (@The Phenom Cruz) 1468496964
At the time of his coming out, Cruz was the No. 4-ranked featherweight by the WBO. Cruz ran undefeated for a full nine years before his fight with Cornelius Lock by TKO in 2009.
In a recent interview with El Vocero, Cruz showed no plans of slowing down. He told the Puerto Rican paper about how he plans to make history yet again.
"At 35-years-old--I feel great. I know my opponent will come to fight but I am prepared and ready for victory and then to be crowned world champion. I'm focused on becoming the only gay world champion in boxing history."
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